In June 2024, Alexis Smith, crowned Miss Kansas, courageously shared her experience with domestic violence during her final interview question at the pageant.
Over a month after winning the title on June 8, Smith posted a video on social media from the pageant, showcasing her response to a question about her vision as the next ambassador for the Miss Kansas organization.
Smith revealed that her abuser was present in the audience. "My vision as Miss Kansas is to eradicate unhealthy and abusive relationships," she stated. "Some of you saw me very emotional because my abuser is here today."
Despite the emotional moment, Smith delivered a powerful and encouraging message. "But that won’t stop me from being on this Miss Kansas stage and representing as the next Miss Kansas because my community and I deserve healthy relationships. We deserve a life free from domestic violence," she added.
Reflecting on the moment in her caption, Smith wrote that her Miss Kansas journey "took an unexpected turn when someone I have been healing from tried to disrupt my peace."
"Instead of staying silent, I chose to live out my vision for a better world," she continued. "I reclaimed my power—not just for myself, but for my dreams and everyone watching and listening."
Smith emphasized her commitment to using her "story, tools, and resources to end unhealthy relationships in all forms" and to empower others through her "voice and advocacy."
"I may be small in stature, but I stand tall in strength, purpose, and power with hopes of inspiring others to do the same," she concluded.
Her Instagram post received an outpouring of support, with many applauding her bravery and sharing their own experiences with domestic violence.
"WHAT A WOMAN. This is absolutely incredible," one commenter wrote. "From one survivor to another, I am SO SO proud of you for reclaiming this moment for yourself. You will do amazing things."
Another commenter, who did not know Smith personally, praised her "strength and resiliency," adding, "You are truly a queen from the inside out and I thank you for being a beautiful role model to so many."
Smith’s story also inspired other women to take a stand, including one who described themselves as a victim of domestic violence and wrote, “I plan on helping women like us as well.”
Reached out for comments from Smith, Miss Kansas, and Miss America organizations were not immediately returned at the time of publication.
In a July 18 interview with KSNW, an NBC affiliate in Wichita, Kansas, Smith reiterated her commitment as Miss Kansas to continue “advocating for healthy relationships” following her “personal experience of falling into a relationship of domestic violence.”
Smith also mentioned that “every single woman” in her family was “impacted by domestic violence.”
During the KSNW interview, she referenced her viral social media post from the pageant, where she disclosed her abuser’s presence at the ceremony.
“Having the opportunity to create such an impact, not only for myself but for other young men and women—domestic violence does not discriminate—I'm incredibly excited to address this on a large scale," she said.
Earlier, on July 9, Smith spoke to KWCH 12 about her "Respect Reclaimed" message focused on healthy relationships. "It stems from my personal experience of falling into my family's cycle of domestic violence. I wanted to broaden that message because we have relationships all around us, not just intimate ones, and I wanted to convey that to our youth as well," Smith explained.
She shared that she uses her "special talent" of ventriloquism to communicate her message to a younger audience. "I've been a ventriloquist for 19 years, and especially when I visit youth classrooms, I use 'healthy friend puppets' to illustrate the characteristics of healthy relationships they should seek in those around them," she added.